Free Automotive Repair Advice by Certified ASE Technicians
Car Maintenance Intervals and Specific Information
|
System |
Monthly |
Bi-Monthly |
6 Months |
Information |
|
Air Filter |
|
|
 |
Check the air filter every other
month. Replace it when it's dirty or
as part of a tune-up. It is easy to
reach, in a rectangular box at the
forward end of the air duct hose
assembly. |
|
Antifreeze |
 |
|
|
Check the antifreeze/coolant level
weekly. Some cars have transparent
reservoirs with level markings. Fill
to level marking with 50/50 solution
of antifreeze and water. Caution:
Do not remove the pressure cap when
engine is hot. |
|
Battery |
|
|
 |
Use extreme caution when handling a
battery since it can produce
explosive gases. Do not smoke,
create a spark or light a match near
a battery and always wear protective
glasses and gloves. Have it checked
with every oil change. Cables should
be attached securely and be free of
corrosion. If battery has filler
holes, add only clear odorless
drinking water. |
|
Belts |
|
 |
|
Inspect belts and hoses monthly.
Replace worn, glazed or frayed
belts. Tighten them when more than
1/2" of slack can be depressed
between the pulleys. Vehicles with
spring loaded belt tensioner require
no adjustment. Replace bulging,
rotten or brittle hoses and tighten
clamps. If a hose looks bad, or
feels too soft or too hard, it
should be replaced. |
|
Brake Fluid |
|
 |
|
Check brake fluid monthly. First,
wipe dirt from the brake master
cylinder reservoir lid. Pry off the
retainer clip and remove the lid or
unscrew plastic lid, depending on
which type your vehicle has. If you
need fluid, add the approved type
and check for possible leaks
throughout the system. Fill to mark
on reservoir.
Caution:
Do Not Overfill. |
|
Engine Oil |
|
 |
|
Check oil every other fill up.
Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean.
insert it fully and remove it again.
If it is low, add oil. To maintain
peak performance, change oil every
3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever
comes first. Replace oil filter with
every oil change. |
|
Exhaust |
|
|
 |
Look underneath for loose or broken
exhaust clamps and supports. Check
for holes in muffler or pipes.
Replace rusted or damaged parts.
Have emission checked at least once
per year for compliance with local
laws. |
|
Hoses |
|
 |
|
Inspect belts and hoses monthly.
Replace worn, glazed or frayed
belts. Tighten them when more than
1/2" of slack can be depressed
between the pulleys. Vehicles with
spring loaded belt tensioner require
no adjustment. Replace bulging,
rotten or brittle hoses and tighten
clamps. If a hose looks bad, or
feels too soft or too hard, it
should be replaced. |
|
Lights |
|
 |
|
Be sure all your lights are clean
and working, including brake lights,
turn signals and emergency flashers.
Keep spare bulbs and fuses in your
vehicle. |
|
Oil Filter |
|
 |
 |
To maintain peak performance, change
oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months,
whichever comes first. Replace oil
filter with every oil change. |
|
Power Steering Fluid |
|
 |
|
Check power steering fluid level
once per month. Simply remove the
reservoir dipstick. If the level is
down, add fluid and inspect the
steering pump and hoses for leaks. |
|
Shock Absorbers |
|
|
 |
Look for signs of oil seepage on
struts and shock absorbers, test
shock action by bouncing the car up
and down. The car should stop
bouncing when you step back. Worn or
leaking shocks should be replaced.
Always replace shock absorbers in
pairs. |
|
Tires |
|
 |
|
Keep tires inflated to recommended
pressure (it helps to own your own
gauge). Check for cuts, bulges and
excessive tread wear. Uneven wear
indicates tires are misaligned or
out of balance. Keep a record of
tire rotation. Rotate at the first
5,000 miles and every 7,500 miles
thereafter. |
|
Transmission Fluid |
|
 |
|
Check transmission fluid monthly
with engine warm and running, and
parking brake on. Shift to drive,
then to park. Remove dipstick, wipe
dry, insert it and remove it again.
Add the approved type fluid, if
needed.
Caution:
Do Not Overfill |
|
Washer Fluid |
|
 |
|
Keep windshield washer fluid
reservoir full. When topping off,
use some windshield washer fluid on
a rag to clean off the wiper blades.
In the winter months, pay attention
to the freezing point of the washer
fluid. |
|
Wiper Blades |
|
|
 |
Inspect windshield wiper blades
whenever you clean your windshield.
Do not wait until rubber is worn or
brittle to replace them. Wiper
blades should be replaced at least
once per year, and more often if
smearing or chattering occurs. |
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